What is plagiarism and why should you care?

The free exchange of ideas among researchers requires that ideas are credited appropriately: when you are writing a paper, it is essential that you distinguish your own ideas (whether data, words, or information) from those of others. Plagiarism occurs when you take someone else's work and pass it off as your own. You are plagiarizing (intentionally or inadvertently) if you do not cite a source when quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing a theory or concept, using an illustration or data from someone else, unless the material is common knowledge.

Caltech's Honor Code forbids plagiarism:

"II. Homework and Laboratory Assignments
The misinterpretation of homework collaboration policies has been a source of problems in the past. Most instructors state their policies at the beginning of each academic term. It is your responsibility as a student to get this information. If the policy is ambiguous, seek clarification from the instructor. Note that although collaboration on some assignments may be unrestricted, there is a fine line between exchanging of ideas and some forms of plagiarism. Violating a collaboration policy takes unfair advantage of those who abide by the restrictions placed on them and compromises the trust of the instructor.

In general, both student and instructor share the responsibility for clarifying any rules governing a particular course. When in doubt, a student should consult the instructor before proceeding.

These principles also apply to laboratory course work and research. Falsification or theft of results ("drylabbing") are serious acts of intellectual dishonesty, as is claiming undue credit for another's work or ideas.
 
III. Papers and Reports
Students are required to produce a large number of reports and research papers during their careers at Caltech. In collecting data and information, students need to actively avoid plagiarizing the work of others. Proper footnoting of source material and documentation of borrowed ideas are absolutely essential. Many professors are willing to show students how to correctly document their papers. Plagiarism, whether inadvertent paraphrasing or direct substitution, takes unfair advantage of any original authors, the instructor who incorrectly believes that the ideas are the plagiarist's, and other students who correctly footnote all sources." (sections II &III of The Honor System Handbook)

These linked pages were produced by the Hixon Writing Center and The Core 1 Science Writing Requirement to expand on the Honor Code and help you understand what plagiarism is and how you can avoid it. It is your responsibility to avoid plagiarism; these pages will help you do so effectively.